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Life Is Better In Hiking Boots | Drakensberg

William Langewiesche, an American author and journalist who was also a professional airplane pilot for many years, said, “So much of who we are is where we have been.”

Put on your hiking boots and explore the panoramic Drakensberg. Upon your return, William Langewiesche’s wise words will resonate with you too!

Suggested Read: Escape to the beautiful Drakensberg

Best time to go Hiking in the Drakensberg

Spring or autumn are the best seasons for hiking in the Drakensberg because they offer sufficiently long days, mild weather, the vibrant greens of spring (or alternatively, the deep yet fading greens of autumn), and most importantly, a reduced risk of thunderstorms and heavy rain.

The Most Scenic Drakensberg Hiking Trails

Sentinel Peak Hike

“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” The Royal Natal National Park may not have a thousand miracles, but it is pretty close. Here you will find the world’s second-tallest waterfall and the tallest waterfall in Africa, measuring 948 m (3,110 ft). I’m talking about the magnificent Tugela Falls.

The Sentinel Peak Trail to Tugela Falls takes hikers around Sentinel Peak to the top of the Mont-aux-Sources plateau. From there it’s an easy flat 1km walk to reach the Tugela Falls.

Also called the Amphitheater or the Tugela Falls trail, the 12 km roundtrip is one of the most scenic hikes in South Africa.

Trailhead: Sentinel Parking Lot (requires 4×4 vehicle OR a shuttle from Witsieshoek Lodge)
Highest Point: 3254 m
Elevation Gain: 700 m
Time to do the hike: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Easy-moderate (you must climb 2 sets of chain ladders in one section).

The 10 Best Guest Houses in Drakensberg

They are typically run by families, and your host will offer optional meals and local recommendations. Guest houses might include a cozy living room, a garden, and are frequently less expensive than standard hotels.

Tugela Gorge Hike

The 14 km roundtrip Tugela Gorge Trail also leads to the spectacular Tugela falls. Adventure lovers will enjoy a longer walk that includes conquering large boulders, precarious chain ladders, and steep gullies. In addition to the added adventure, the reward is a greater glimpse of the falls.

Trailhead: The Gorge parking lot (follow the direction to Thendele camp)
Highest Point: 3254 m
Elevation Gain: 700 m
Time to do the hike: 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (boulder hopping, wading fast knee-deep water, chain ladders, uneven/muddy terrain).

While the Sentinel Trail takes you to the top of the escarpment which is literally 1km higher, the Tugela Gorge gives you a different but beautiful perspective of the Tugela Falls from the valley below.

Rhino Peak Hike

Also known in isiZulu as Thaba Ngcobo, the 21 km Rhino Peak trail is southern Drakenberg’s most iconic peak.

Trailhead: Garden Castle campsite, in the Southern Drakensberg (about 3½ hours’ drive from Durban, and 1 hour from Underberg, the nearest town).
Highest Point: 3056 m
Elevation Gain: 1385 m
Time to do the hike: 7-10 hours
Difficulty: Relatively easy, and lots of water points on the trail.

Suggested Read: Kanonkop Trail, with Willemien du Plessis

Cathedral Peak Hike

In April Cosmos flowers are in full bloom in the Drakensberg, making for a wonderful display of color.

The 17.7 km Cathedral Peak hike is a popular trail near Ngoba, KwaZulu Natal. The trail is not too well sign-posted near the end. Therefore, it will be wise to have the map downloaded ahead of time to stay on track.

Trailhead: Cathedral Peak Hotel.
Highest Point: 3004 m
Elevation Gain: 1200 m
Time to do the hike: 8-10 hours
Difficulty: Challenging and difficult (especially the final push to the top which involved a bit of climbing), but well worth it. (PS: Some people ran down, but that was a bit too energetic!)

plougmans Kop Hike

The Ploughman’s Kop Mountain range runs along the left arm of the Amphitheatre, which forms part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains. Put on your hiking boots for about 7 km roundtrip hiking.

Trailhead: From Mahai Camp in the Royal Natal National Park.
Highest Point: 1760 m
Elevation Gain: 475 m
Time to do the hike: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous, but the rockpools made up for it. Beautiful sights!

Suggested Read: 1 Day Hiking Trails – Around the World Epic Trails

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Hiking Tips

Do not hike on your own.
Plan your hiking trip well in advance and ask for advice from experienced hikers and/or do some research. And a reminder to get the e-book Walking in the Drakensberg, by Jeff Williams. It is worth every penny.
Make a checklist of to-do’s (like telling someone where you’re about to go) and what you must pack before setting out. Remember to take duct tape. It’s the most creative item in your backpack, covering up hiking hot spots on your feet to mending dodgy boots, or keeping food bags closed and fixing cracked water bottles.
Check the weather forecast before setting out. And if it should turn bad, turn back immediately if before the halfway point.
When you pack, prepare for an emergency and be sure to take an extra pair of socks (keep your feet dry and prepare for Murphy’s wear and tear) and a first aid kit. Also, pack the night before so you don’t forget something.
Wear proper and comfortable hiking boots. If you take care of your feet, they will take care of you. And while on the subject, don’t wear your newest boots on the trip. Break in your boots on smaller hikes.
Dress like an onion. In other words, dress in layers so you stay dry but are warm when needed.
Eat and drink methodically.
Set a steady pace.
Navigate methodically.

Travel Tip(s)

Look for free cancellation options: Some hotels offer free cancellation up until a certain date. Booking accommodations with free cancellation can provide flexibility in case your plans change.

Check the map view: Booking.com has a map view feature that shows the location of hotels. This can help you identify accommodations in areas that are both desirable and affordable.

The 10 Best Guest Houses in Durban, South Africa

For those who seek straightforward lodging with a personal touch, warm and welcoming guest homes are appropriate.

In conclusion, may today’s most popular hiking trails, in the Drakensberg region, tempt you to put on your hiking boots! Together with the highly experienced Jeff Williams’ Walking in the Drakensberg in your pocket, you’re well-prepared to live the hiking life!

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